Buy Trap Bars & Special Bars – Specialty Bars for Your Strength Training

Trap Bars & Special Bars – the right bar for your exercises

With a Trap Bar, also known as a Hex Bar, you stand between the side grips when deadlifting and hold the weight next to your body. Depending on the design, raised grips offer a shorter range of motion, while an open frame provides extra room for exercises such as lunges. This allows you to choose the bar specifically for your workout routine.

For other exercise focuses, you will find suitable Special Bars at motion sports. Safety Squat Bars complement your squat training with a padded shoulder rest and front grips. Multi Grip and Swiss Bars allow for different grip positions when pressing and rowing. Compact Hammer Bars are particularly suitable for bicep and tricep exercises with a parallel grip.

Discover specialty bars with a 30 or 50 mm plate sleeve for your home gym or studio. Choose according to bar type, compatible weight plates, and maximum load capacity. For exercises in a rack, also check whether the resting dimensions of the chosen bar fit your rack – so that your new barbell effectively complements your existing equipment.

Open ATX® Trap Bar with loaded weight plates on a training platform

What should you look for when buying a Trap Bar or Special Bar?

The right trap bar or specialty bar must suit your exercises, weight plates, and training space. In addition to maximum load capacity, the frame shape, grip positions, and usable plate holders are the main factors determining how well the bar can be used in your training. These six purchasing criteria will help you make your selection.

Right for your fitness goal

Barbell Type & Exercise Selection

Choose the type of bar based on your regularly planned exercises. A trap bar is particularly suitable for deadlifts, shrugs and – with sufficient range of motion – farmer’s walks. A safety squat bar is designed for squats with a padded shoulder rest and front handles.

For pressing and rowing exercises, multi-grip and Swiss bars with different grip widths are suitable. Compact short multi-grip bars and hammer bars are particularly interesting for arm exercises. The deciding factor is whether the grip arrangement and frame shape allow for your desired range of motion. A short specialty bar for curls meets different requirements than a bar you want to lift out of a rack for bench presses.

Select the right range of motion

Frame shape & usable interior space

With a closed trap bar, you stand inside the frame. Therefore, compare the usable interior space with your stance width and the space required for your movement. The overall length of the bar tells you very little about this. Especially during carry exercises, your legs and knees should have enough clearance from the frame.

An open trap bar makes it easier to get into and can offer more room for lunges or other exercises involving stepping movements. Nevertheless, check the specific frame geometry. An open entry does not automatically mean that every exercise is possible without restrictions. With a cambered Swiss bar, on the other hand, the curved frame shape affects how far you can lower the handles during a press before the frame touches your upper body.

Handlebar position to suit you

Handle height, handle width & handle diameter

Elevated trap-bar handles shorten the range of motion compared to lower handles for the same plate diameter. Lower handles allow for a correspondingly lower starting position. If you want to use both variants, check whether the bar actually offers two different handle heights. Multiple handles may also differ only in diameter or angle.

With multi-grip bars, the grip width and grip angle determine your hand position. Compare the actual distances between the handles instead of just looking at the number of grip options. The grip diameter and knurling must also suit you. Thicker handles increase the grip strength required. With a safety squat bar, the accessibility of the front handles and the fit of the shoulder pads are also important.

Continue using existing weights

Plate holder & space for your weights

Match the sleeve diameter of the bar to your weight plates and collars. Models with a 30 mm sleeve are designed for correspondingly compatible plates with a hole diameter of approximately 30/31 mm. For a 50 mm sleeve, you will need compatible plates with a hole diameter of approximately 50/51 mm. Check the specifications for the specific bar and your plate system.

The usable sleeve length on each side is also important. Add up the thickness of the plates you plan to use and allow space for the collar. Wide bumper plates, in particular, can fill a short sleeve before the maximum load capacity is reached. For heavy training weights with thick plates, a longer sleeve is therefore a practical advantage.

Correctly assessing resilience

Maximum load capacity & self-weight

Compare your planned training weight with the confirmed maximum load capacity of the respective model. Check whether the manufacturer's specification refers to the permissible plate load or a total weight including the bar. If this is not clear, the specification should be clarified before purchase. Also consider your planned weight increases.

The self-weight of the specialty bar counts towards the actual training weight moved and can differ significantly from that of a standard barbell. For your training log, add the bar, the plates loaded, and any collars. A high load capacity also does not automatically mean that the bar is suitable for dropping – an express approval is required for this.

Suitable for rack and training area

Rack Compatibility, Space Requirements & Handling

If you want to lift the bar out of a rack, check its express suitability for storage as well as the appropriate storage dimensions. The overall length alone is not enough. The rack rest areas, frame, and plate holders must fit the J-hooks and the distance between the rack posts. For safety squat bars and Swiss bars, the pads, handles, or curved frame should also have sufficient clearance when lifting in and out.

Plan for enough space on the side for sliding on and removing the weight plates. For farmer’s walks, you will also need a clear path that takes into account the entire loaded bar width. If you frequently change weights, a model-dependent integrated stand-up or loading aid can make handling easier.

Which Trap Bar or Special Bar is right for your training?

Geschlossene Trap Bars / Hex Bars bei motion sports kaufen

Closed Trap Bars / Hex Bars

A closed hex bar surrounds your stance with a frame. You reach down beside your body and hold your palms facing each other. This design is particularly suitable for trap bar deadlifts, shrugs and farmer’s walks. For carrying exercises, the interior must offer enough room for your steps.

It is right for you if you mainly lift from the floor or carry weights in a controlled manner and do not need an open entry for additional exercises. Models with two grip heights allow for different starting positions. An XL version with longer plate holders is especially appealing when wide weight plates take up too much space on a shorter holder.

View Hex Bar - Trap Bar XL.
Offene Trap Bars / Open Hex Bars bei motion sports kaufen

Open Trap Bars / Open Hex Bars

An open trap bar lacks one side of the frame. You can step into the bar without having to step over a closed frame. The opening also creates additional space for lunges and other staggered-stance exercises, provided the specific design is suitable for this.

This design is particularly useful if you want to use your trap bar more versatilely. Deadlifts and shrugs are also among its possible uses. When choosing, pay attention to where the frame and handles are positioned during your planned exercise. An open frame alone guarantees neither unrestricted freedom of movement nor an integrated loading aid.

Hex Bar 50mm Compact - Open view.
Safety Squat Bars bei motion sports kaufen

Safety Squat Bars

A Safety Squat Bar rests on your shoulders with a padded pad, and the handles are positioned in front of the body. Unlike with a classic barbell, you do not have to position your hands on the bar behind your shoulders. This can be comfortable if you find this grip position difficult.

The Safety Squat Bar is right for you if you want to train squats and box squats with a different weight distribution and grip position. Its angled design changes the balance compared to a straight barbell. Therefore, plan for an adjustment period with reduced weight.

View Safety Squat Bar - 50 mm.
Multi Grip Bars & Cambered Swiss Bars bei motion sports kaufen

Multi Grip Bars & Cambered Swiss Bars

Multi Grip Bars offer multiple grip widths and, depending on the model, parallel or angled grips. This allows you to choose different hand positions when bench pressing and rowing. These bars are right for you if you want to specifically vary your upper body exercises.

A Cambered Swiss Bar also features a curved or offset frame. This can allow for a greater range of motion when bench pressing before the frame touches your upper body. This is particularly interesting for deliberately chosen training with a greater range of motion. How deep you actually train depends on the movement you can perform in a controlled manner. For use in a rack, the designated support areas must fit the rack width.

View Cambered Swiss Bars.

Which trap bar is right for your training?

Selection criterion Hex Bar 50 mm black ATX® Hex Bar Compact Open 50 mm Hex Bar / Trap Bar XL
Frame shape Closed Open Closed
Getting started About the frame Through the open frame side About the frame
Dead weight Approx. 23 kg 13 kg 23 kg
Total length 142 cm 150 cm 193 cm
Pickup length per side 23.5 cm 25.5 cm 50 cm
Max. Load Capacity 250 kg 250 kg 300 kg
Handle diameter 25 mm 32 mm 32 mm
Especially interesting if … you are looking for a closed-end barbell for deadlifts and shrugs and have limited space lengthwise. you want an open entry, room for leg movement, and a lower weight. your planned disc loading requires particularly long shots.
Crucial compromise The closed frame limits the space available for stepping movements. Wide wafers can fill the receptacle before the maximum load capacity is reached. The bar requires significantly more space and weighs 23 kg even when empty.
Hex Bar 50 mm black
Frame shape
Closed
Getting started
About the frame
Dead weight
Approx. 23 kg
Total length
142 cm
Pickup length per side
23.5 cm
Max. Load Capacity
250 kg
Handle diameter
25 mm
Especially interesting if …
you are looking for a closed-end barbell for deadlifts and shrugs and have limited space lengthwise.
Crucial compromise
The closed frame limits the space available for stepping movements.
ATX® Hex Bar Compact Open 50 mm
Frame shape
Open
Getting started
Through the open frame side
Dead weight
13 kg
Total length
150 cm
Pickup length per side
25.5 cm
Max. Load Capacity
250 kg
Handle diameter
32 mm
Especially interesting if …
you want an open entry, room for leg movement, and a lower weight.
Crucial compromise
Wide wafers can fill the receptacle before the maximum load capacity is reached.
Hex Bar / Trap Bar XL
Frame shape
Closed
Getting started
About the frame
Dead weight
23 kg
Total length
193 cm
Pickup length per side
50 cm
Max. Load Capacity
300 kg
Handle diameter
32 mm
Especially interesting if …
your planned disc loading requires particularly long shots.
Crucial compromise
The bar requires significantly more space and weighs 23 kg even when empty.

Trap Bar & Special Bars in Training: Understanding Range of Motion, Load, and Progress

A trap bar or specialty bar changes the conditions of an exercise. You grip it differently, the weight is in a different position relative to your body, or the frame allows for a different range of motion. To benefit from this, the bar, exercise execution, and training goal should match. It is especially important to distinguish changes caused by the equipment from actual strength gains.

Trap bar or barbell: What changes when deadlifting?

In the classic barbell deadlift , the bar runs in front of your body. You have to guide it past your shins and knees during the movement. With a trap bar, you stand between the side grips, and the front section of the frame remains at a distance from your legs.

This allows you to adapt your starting position to your body proportions and the grip height used. Depending on the execution, it is possible to start with more bent knees and a more upright upper body. The key is that you can raise and lower the weight in a controlled manner from this position. The frame shape alone does not dictate a specific body posture and does not replace proper exercise execution.

Therefore, your training goal matters for your choice. If you want to specifically improve your performance in the classic barbell deadlift, this movement remains an important part of your training. If you are looking for an additional lifting variation with side grips, the trap bar can effectively complement your training.

Which muscles does a trap bar train?

In trap bar deadlifts, the knee and hip extensors work together above all else. These include the quadriceps and gluteal muscles. The hamstrings support the movement, while the back and core muscles stabilize the body. The hands and forearms must hold the weight. Which requirement is more demanding also depends on the execution. A lower hip position with more bent knees changes the movement compared to a variation where you push your hips further back.

The exercise itself also makes a difference. In shrugs, raising the shoulders is the focus. During the farmer’s walk , you hold the weight while walking and must additionally control the side-to-side movements of the load. The same bar can therefore fulfill different training tasks.

The plate diameter changes your starting position

The height of the grips above the floor does not depend solely on the trap bar. The outer diameter of the largest plates loaded determines the height of the plate sleeve. In addition, there is a height offset due to the design of the grips used.

For example: With plates with a 45 cm outer diameter, the center of the sleeve is approximately 22.5 cm above the floor. With plates with a 35 cm diameter, it is about 17.5 cm. With the same bar and the same grips, you therefore start approximately 5 cm lower. This is especially relevant when starting with low weight. Small, light plates can require a lower starting position than large, heavy plates. If you want to keep the starting height the same regardless of the training weight, pay attention to plates with a correspondingly equal outer diameter or suitable, stable supports under both plate sides.

Higher grips and larger plates both change the starting height. Therefore, always assess the movement with the actually used combination of bar and plates.

This is how an open trap bar remains controllable during lifting

With an open trap bar, the even loading of both sides is particularly easy to check. Use the same plate weights on the left and right and, if possible, the same plate arrangement. Secure the loading with suitable collars. Grip both handles at the same position. Existing grip markings help you find this point again for every set. Build tension and initially raise the bar in a controlled manner. If it tilts significantly forward, backward, or to one side, set it down again and check the grip position, loading, and alignment.

An open frame is not automatically a setup aid. The bar may only be supported on surfaces specifically designed for it or with a suitable loading aid when changing plates. The possible orientation of the opening and additional exercise variations depend on the respective construction.

Why you should not simply transfer your barbell weight

A safety squat bar changes the position of the plates relative to the shoulder support due to its shape. This means that balance and the requirements for stabilizing the upper body may differ compared to a straight barbell. The front grips also allow for a different arm position. Therefore, do not transfer your usual squat weight without checking. Start with a load that allows you to get to know the new bar, the pad position, and the movement pattern in a controlled manner. Set the safety racks so that they can catch the bar in the event of a failed repetition without limiting your regular squat depth.

The handling of the grips should also remain comparable. If you pull or push them very differently between sets, you change the conditions of the exercise. Consistent execution makes your training progress easier to track.

Multi Grip Bar: Use more grip options specifically

Multiple grip positions are helpful when you use them deliberately. In bench pressing , the chosen grip width influences, among other things, the position of the forearms and the range of motion of the elbows. A parallel grip or slanted grip is not automatically more comfortable for everyone – what matters is how controlled you can perform the entire movement. First test a new position with light weight. Check whether you can keep your wrists stable and whether the frame has enough clearance from your upper body and the rack when lowering. When rowing, it therefore matters whether the bar can be guided along the desired path toward the body.

A Cambered Swiss Bar can allow for a greater lowering range during bench pressing. Only use this additional range as far as you can actively control it. When switching to such a bar, first change the range of motion and adjust the weight accordingly, instead of training deeper and heavier at the same time.

When specialty bars complement a straight barbell

A specialty bar is particularly worthwhile if it takes on a specific role in your training plan: for example, trap bar deadlifts as an additional lifting variation, squats with front grips, or pressing exercises with different hand positions.

For classic barbell training and exercises such as snatches or cleans, you need a suitable straight barbell bar. Trap bars, safety squat bars, and Swiss bars do not replace this for all movements.

Therefore, plan your equipment based on the exercises you actually train regularly. A specifically selected specialty bar provides more benefit than several models whose capabilities largely overlap in your daily training.

Matching accessories for your Trap Bar & Special Bars.

Hantelscheiben 30 und 50 mm

Weight plates 30 and 50 mm
Verschluss in 30mm und 50 mm bei motion sports kaufen

Dumbbell closure in 30 and 50 mm
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All you need to know.

Frequently Asked Questions about Trap Bars & Special Bars.

Yes, provided the weight, grip position and dimensions suit you. The side grips make it possible to start deadlifting without having to guide a straight bar past your legs. Proper form is still required.

First, check whether you can move the unloaded bar in a controlled manner. For training from the floor, the height of the grips with loaded plates also matters. Small plates result in a lower starting position. Start with a load and starting height that allow you to perform every repetition in a controlled manner.

Often, the standing position, stride length, or usable interior space are not suitable for the planned movement. The overall length of a trap bar says little about how much space remains between the frame parts for your body.

Check with a light load whether you are standing in the center and whether your knees have sufficient clearance from the frame during the entire movement. With the farmer’s walk, the space required for your steps is added to this. If you have to significantly change your movement to avoid the frame, a different frame geometry makes sense. An open trap bar can offer additional space, but must also suit your range of motion.

Not without an expressly suitable adapter. Although a 50 mm plate can be slid over a 30 mm sleeve, it will have significant play. The larger hole is not centered properly by a collar alone.

An adapter solution must be designed for the specific bar and reliably accommodate plates and collars. If no suitable solution has been approved, use weight plates with the hole diameter that matches the bar.

No. What matters are a suitable mount, dimensions, and the intended use. For controlled lifting and lowering, suitable cast iron or rubber-coated weight plates are also an option.

Bumper plates can provide a consistent starting height due to their outer diameter, but depending on the design, they may take up more space on the plate holder. Important: Bumper plates do not automatically make a trap bar suitable for dropping weights. The bar must be checked for approval regardless of the plates used.

Use a built-in loading aid, if your model is designed for one, or a suitable weight lifter. It must be suitable for the frame shape, the lifting point, and the weight to be lifted. A lifter for straight barbells is not necessarily compatible with every trap bar.

Secure the bar against rolling or tipping and add the plates gradually on both sides to avoid excessive uneven loading. Keep your fingers out of the area between the plates and the floor. An open trap bar may only be tilted onto one side of the frame if this is expressly designed as a support or loading surface.

Not every trap bar is equally suited to your stride length and path of travel. First, check with a light load whether your legs and knees have enough clearance from the frame when walking. The path of travel must be wider than the entire loaded bar and free of obstacles.

Also plan for turning around and setting the bar down. In narrow spaces, it is often more practical to set it down in a controlled manner at the end of the route and reorient it, rather than trying to turn around in a confined space with the loaded bar. If the frame continuously restricts your stride, separate farmer’s walk handles or suitable dumbbells are an alternative.

No. The overall length of the bar does not confirm rack compatibility. What matters is whether the designated resting areas sit securely on both J-hooks and whether the frame, pads, or angled sections have enough clearance from the rack posts.

Also check the path when lifting the bar out and putting it back, as well as the position of the safety catches. The bar must be able to be caught at suitable, load-bearing points. Therefore, compare the outside width of your rack and the design of its catches with the manufacturer's specifications for the specialty bar.

Only if the stand is suitable for its design, dimensions, and weight. A matching insertion diameter alone is not enough. The protruding frame can touch other bars, hit the floor, or impair the stability of the holder.

The same applies to Safety Squat Bars and Swiss Bars. Check the holder's weight limit and store the bar unloaded. If no suitable holder is available, choose a protected storage place on the floor where it cannot roll, tip over, or become a tripping hazard.

Ordering, Delivery & Care.

Everything you need to know.

What should I check before ordering a Trap Bar or Special Bar?

For the desired item, check the version, sleeve diameter, and scope of delivery. Your weight plates and collars must fit the bar. For use in a rack, the designated support areas and rack width are also crucial. The plates, collars, and other accessories shown are only included if they are expressly listed.

When will my trap bar or specialty bar be delivered?

You can find the specified delivery time on the respective product page. The shipping costs for your order will be displayed at checkout. If you would like to combine multiple items with different delivery times or need your equipment by a specific date, please contact us before placing your order.

Do I have to assemble my Trap Bar or Special Bar myself?

This depends on the model - Some specialty bars are supplied in one piece, while for others, handles or disc mounts may need to be installed, for example. The product description and the corresponding assembly instructions are authoritative. After unpacking, check that all parts are present and, before the first training session, check that all intended connections are securely tightened. Observe the specified tightening torques.

How do I clean and care for my specialty rod?

Remove weld and chalk residue from the knurling with a soft cloth or a soft nylon brush. After damp-cleaning the surfaces, wipe them dry. Clean the pads of a safety squat bar with a slightly damp cloth and a mild cleaner suitable for the material. Avoid harsh cleaning agents and hard brushes. Store the bar dry and unloaded. Regularly check threaded connections, grips, mounts, and welds. If there are cracks, deformations, or loose components, it must not be used further until the issue is resolved. Additionally, follow the manufacturer's care instructions.
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Find the right specialty bar for your workout.

Would you like to expand your strength training in a targeted way, or are you unsure which trap bar, safety squat bar, or multi-grip bar is right for your equipment? We’ll help you choose the right one, taking your exercises, existing weight plates, and available training space into account. Our team is happy to assist you by phone (08142/ 448666), by email or in person at our showroom. Together, we’ll find the ideal solution for your goals.

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